Toilet assembly

ABSTRACT

A toilet includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper perimeter portion thereof. In this toilet, the flush water flows through the rim channel in a path which is asymmetric and unidirectional along the entire perimeter portion thereof. The rim channel includes a plurality of rim openings distributed evenly along the perimeter of the rim channel. Flush water passing through the plurality of rim openings pre-wets the entire perimeter of the toilet bowl. The rim channel further includes a pair of water discharge slots which directs water directly into the toilet bowl in two powerful streams. The flush valve allowing passage of water from the water tank to the toilet bowl assembly is in the form of a valve inlet having a radiused port to generate greater energy throughput of the flush water.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet for the removal ofhuman and other waste. The present invention further relates to a toiletwhich is resistant to clogging, increases flushing capacity, anddelivers the flush water volume with greater energy.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Toilets for removing waste products are well known. Typically,toilets incorporate three systems that work together to perform theflushing action. Those systems are (1) the bowl siphon, (2) the flushmechanism, and (3) the refill mechanism. Working in concert, these threesystems allow for the flushing function of the toilet.

[0003] Siphoning is used to transport fluid and waste from the higherelevation of the bowl to a lower elevation of the wastewater line. Theflow channels in a toilet assembly are designed to begin siphoning whenthe water in the bowl rises above a certain level. The siphon tubeitself is an upside down U-shaped tube that draws water from the toiletbowl to the wastewater line. Water is drawn out of the bowl and into thesiphon tube when the toilet is flushed. The flushing action is initiatedby water entering the bowl through the action of the flush mechanism andthe refill mechanism. When flushed, the bowl is quickly filled withwater from the tank positioned above, which causes the siphon tube tofill with water, creating a pressure gradient in the tube. Thewater-filled bowl creates higher pressure at the beginning of the siphontube, and causes the water and waste to be pushed through the tube andinto the wastewater line.

[0004] Typically, the tank, positioned over the back of the bowl,contains water that is used to initiate the siphoning from the bowl tothe sewage line, as well as refilling the bowl with fresh water. When auser desires to flush the toilet, he pushes down on a flush lever on theoutside of the tank, which is connected on the inside of the tank to amovable chain or lever. When the flush lever is depressed, it moves achain or lever on the inside of the tank which acts to lift and open theflush valve, causing water to flow from the tank and into the bowl, thusinitiating the toilet flush.

[0005] In many toilet designs, water flows both directly into the bowland is dispersed into the rim of the toilet bowl. The rim typically hasseveral small holes to allow flow into the bowl. The water releases intothe bowl rather quickly, with flow from the tank into the bowl typicallylasting approximately two to four seconds. The water flows from the rim,down a channel within the sides of the bowl, into the large hole at thebottom of the toilet, commonly known as the siphon jet. The siphon jetreleases most of the water into the siphon tube, initiating the siphonaction. The siphoning action draws all the water and waste out of thebowl and into the siphon tube. The waste and water continues through theother end of the U-shaped siphon tube through an area known as thetrapway, and is then released into the wastewater line connected at thebase of the toilet.

[0006] Once the tank is emptied of its contents (fresh water) during theflush, the flush valve closes, and a floating mechanism, which has nowdropped in the tank to some residual amount, initiates the opening ofthe filler valve. The filler valve provides fresh water to both the tankand the bowl through separate flows. Eventually the tank fills withwater to a high enough level to cause the float to rise, thus shuttingoff the filler valve. At this point, the flushing cycle is complete.

[0007] However, government agencies have continually demanded thatmunicipal water users reduce the amount of water they use. Much of thefocus in recent years has been to reduce the water demand required bytoilet flushing operations. In order to illustrate this point, theamount of water used in a toilet for each flush has gradually beenreduced by governmental agencies from 7 gallons/flush (prior to the1950's), to 5.5 gallons/flush (by the end of the 1960's), to 3.5gallons/flush (in the 1980's). The National Energy Policy Act of 1995now mandates that toilets sold in the United States can use water in anamount of only 1.6 gallons/flush (6 liters/flush).

[0008] In the past, toilet designs have attempted by various methods tocomply with this reduced water requirement, but achieving superior flushperformance has been difficult. Therefore, it has been found desirableto provide a toilet which assists the flush operation in meeting themandated water requirements while at the same time providing for anenhanced and superior flushing operation.

[0009] In the crowded art of producing a more reliable, more efficientand more powerful 1.6 gallon (6 liter) gravity toilet, one method tomore effectively remove waste from the toilet bowl is to increase thehydraulic energy available during the flushing operation. However, thehydraulic energy available is not enhanced by the typical rim washemployed in existing toilets as the water path flows in two oppositedirections through the rim of the toilet thus reducing the availableenergy. It has therefore been found desirable to provide a toilet whichincreases the hydraulic energy of the rim flush.

[0010] Current agency requirements further mandate that the flush leverfor the flush valve assembly have a minimum “hold down” time of 1 secondwithout exceeding the aforementioned total water usage or discharge perflush of 1.6 gallons or 6 liters of water. It has been found that thehydraulic performance characteristics of the toilet can be significantlyenhanced if water can be evacuated from the water tank in a dumping timeof less than 1 second, preferably 0.5-0.6 seconds. Therefore, it hasbeen further found desirable to provide a toilet which releases theeffect of the flush lever so that the valve opening can close before theexpiration of the mandated minimum “hold down” time of the flush lever(1 second) without exceeding the total water per flush mandate of 1.6gallons (6 liters).

[0011] In the development of the invention of this application, severaltoilets were examined and tested. Measurements were made to examineflushing capabilities. In order to determine the clogging and uncloggingproperties of these toilets, various objects were flushed through thetoilets, including ping pong balls, thick napkins, floatingPolypropylene balls, foam sponges, and floating rubber tubes. Theseobjects were used to simulate various waste sizes and shapes.

[0012] All of the tested designs shared some of the same problems, butin varying degrees. First, several of the models had clogging problems.In most of these toilets, this problem could be attributed to anundersized trapway. Second, when there was a significant level of wastein the bowl, several of the designs were not capable of cleaning thebowl in a single flush. Third, several of the toilets used a symmetricalsweeping flow path to deliver flow volume to the rim, which perhapsdecreased the efficiency of the toilet. Fourth, the flush-valve inseveral of the toilets was not capable of providing both a fast and highvolume of water delivery from the tank. Finally, many of the toiletsproduced a considerable amount of noise during flushing. These testsconfirmed the desirability of providing a toilet assembly which achievesa maximum trapway but does not alleviate the siphon effect.

[0013] It is therefore desirable to provide a toilet which allows forquieter flushing and decreased likelihood of clogging, increasesflushing capacity, and creates a vortex flushing action by having anasymmetrical jet stream rim flow. This toilet includes a flush valvewhich minimizes losses of hydraulic force and allows for smoothtransition of the water flow from the flush valve to the jet and rimchannel supplies.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Therefore, it is an advantage of the present invention to providea toilet which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0015] An additional advantage of the present invention is to provide atoilet that is resistant to clogging.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a toiletwith a flushing mechanism which is capable of cleaning the bowl in asingle flush.

[0017] A further advantage of the present invention is to create atoilet which is self-cleaning.

[0018] A still further advantage of the present invention is to providea toilet with a relatively silent flushing mechanism.

[0019] A yet still further advantage of the present invention is toprovide a toilet with a large trapway diameter.

[0020] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide atoilet with a high discharge rate into the wastewater line.

[0021] Still yet another advantage of the present invention is toprovide a toilet which has a sweeping flow path to deliver the flushvolume to the rim and jet sections with greater energy.

[0022] Yet an additional advantage of the present invention is toprovide a toilet with a hydraulically tuned direct jet path for greaterperformance.

[0023] It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to providea toilet which reduces hydraulic losses.

[0024] Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide atoilet having an asymmetrical rim path flow resulting in vigorous vortexaction.

[0025] In accordance with the present invention, a new and improvedtoilet is provided which includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toiletbowl and a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to asewage line. The toilet bowl has a rim part along an upper perimeterportion that accommodates an asymmetric flow path for flush water. Awater tank positioned over the toilet bowl assembly contains water thatis used to initiate siphoning from the toilet bowl to the sewage lineand refills the toilet bowl with fresh flush water after each flushoperation.

[0026] This toilet incorporates water supply to the bowl from both adirect jet flow as well as an asymmetrical rim flow. The water flowsfrom the tank through the rim in one direction and is dispersed throughone slot halfway around the rim (at the front of the bowl) and anotherslot at the end of the rim's path (at the back of the bowl). The wateralso flows through several other smaller holes distributed evenly alongthe perimeter of the rim. The water discharged from the two large rimslots is in two powerful streams, thus creating a strong vortex thatinitiates the flushing action. This water discharge configurationcreates a high energy jet. The dispersion from the smaller holes aroundthe perimeter of the bowl serves to wet and clean the bowl.

[0027] This toilet includes a trapway with no reductions in crosssectional area. This feature prevents clogging, because any load passingthrough the trap continues through to the wastewater line. This trapwayis also larger than existing trapways, which enhances the toilet'santi-clogging capacity. This increased trapway size also increases thewaste discharge rate at the end of the system into the wastewater line.

[0028] Various other advantages, and features of the present inventionwill become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description andthe novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following detailed description, given by way of example, willbest be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0030]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of atoilet in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a top elevational view illustrating the flush water flowinto the toilet bowl of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of aflush valve assembly to be incorporated in the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the flush valve assembly ofFIG. 4 with the valve opening in its open position.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a front exploded view of the flush valve assembly ofFIGS. 4-5.

[0036]FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the flush valve assembly of FIG. 4.

[0037]FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the flush valve assembly ofFIG. 4 with the valve opening in its closed position.

[0038]FIG. 9 is a front sectional view of the flush valve assembly ofFIG. 5 with the valve opening in its open position.

[0039]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the trip release mechanismof the flush valve assembly of FIGS. 4-5.

[0040]FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the water valve inletbetween the water tank and the toilet bowl of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0041]FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the water valve inlet ofFIG. 11.

[0042]FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the water pathway or conduitleading from the water tank to the toilet bowl in the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0043]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the bowl rim of the toiletof FIG. 1 and specifically illustrates a water slot provided in the bowlrim through which flush water passes.

[0044]FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the bowl rim of the toiletof FIG. 1 and specifically illustrates the rim holes provided thereinthrough which water passes.

[0045]FIG. 16 is a top elevational view illustrating the flush waterflow through another preferred embodiment of a rim path for a toilet inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the bowl rim of the toiletof FIG. 16 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

[0047]FIG. 18 is a top elevational view illustrating the flush waterpath through another preferred embodiment of a rim path for a toilet inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the bowl rim of the toiletof FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

[0049]FIG. 20 is a side view of the toilet bowl of the toilet of FIG. 1filled with water.

[0050]FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the siphon and trapwayconduits of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0051]FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of another preferred embodimentof a toilet in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0052]FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the toilet of FIG. 22.

[0053]FIG. 24 is a top elevational view illustrating the flush wall flowinto the toilet bowl of the toilet of FIG. 22.

[0054]FIG. 25 is a top elevational view of another preferred embodimentof a plastic insert for the direct jet channel to be used in conjunctionwith the toilets of FIGS. 1 and 18.

[0055]FIG. 26 is a top elevational view of another preferred embodimentof a plastic insert for the direct jet pathway to be used in conjunctionwith the toilet assembly of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 27 is a side elevational view specifically illustrating waterflow through the plastic insert of FIG. 26.

[0057]FIG. 28 is a side view specifically illustrating impeded waterflow through a direct jet pathway.

[0058]FIG. 29 is a chart representing the flush rate of the toilet ofFIG. 1 plotting millimeters/second vs. elapsed time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a toilet tank in accordance with theteachings of the present invention is illustrated. As will be explainedin more detail below, this toilet has a greater energy throughput of theflush water to thereby provide more energy available to remove wastefrom the toilet bowl. In addition, this toilet permits a toilet to meetgovernmental agency requirements which mandate a maximum water usage of1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush. Further, this toilet improves the flowcharacteristics of the flow water and flow capacity to provide for notonly a more efficient flush but also enhanced cleaning performance andanti-clogging siphoning to assist in waste removal. Moreover, thistoilet provides for a quieter and faster flush operation.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the toilet 10 includes a water tank 12which includes a flush valve assembly 14. The water tank 12, which ispositioned over the back of the toilet bowl 20, contains water that isused to initiate the siphoning from the bowl to the sewage line, as wellas refilling the bowl with fresh water. When a user desires to flush thetoilet, the user pushes down on a flush lever 18 on the outside of thewater tank which is connected to the flush valve assembly 14 by amovable chain or lever 19. When the flush lever 18 is depressed, thechain or lever 19 acts to lift open the flush valve opening to bedescribed hereinafter, causing water to flow from the tank 12 and intothe toilet bowl 20 thus initiating the toilet flush.

[0061] In this toilet, the flush water passes from the water tank 12 tothe toilet bowl 20 through a transition pathway 22, which as will bedescribed in further detail below can be configured as a manifold madeof plastic. This transition pathway 22 directs the flush water eitherinto a rim channel 24 provided on top of the toilet bowl 20 or into adirect jet channel 29. As will be described in more detail below, theflush water flows through the rim channel 24 of the toilet in a pathwhich is asymmetric and unidirectional (see arrows A of FIG. 3). Thisrim channel 24 includes a plurality of rim openings such as 26 a, b, cand d distributed evenly along the perimeter of the rim channel 24 sothat a portion of the flush water in the rim channel 24 flowstherethrough and along the sides of the toilet bowl so as to pre-wet theentire perimeter of the toilet bowl and provide a side wall cleaningoperation.

[0062] In order to increase the flush efficiency and performance of thetoilet, a pair of water discharge slots 28 a and 28 b are provided inthe rim channel 24 so that the flush water passing in the asymmetricpath through the rim channel 24 can either be dispensed from the rimchannel 24 into the toilet bowl through one of the plurality of rimopenings, such as 26 a, b, c and d, or through one of the pair of waterdischarge slots 28 a and 28 b. These water discharge slots 28 a and 28 bdischarge flush water directly into the toilet bowl 20 in two waterstreams (see arrows B & C in FIG. 3) which create a strong vortex actionto provide greater siphon energy for waste removal as will be describedin greater detail below. As is shown in FIG. 3, one of the pair of waterdischarge slots 28 a is provided about halfway around the rim channel 24and the second of the water discharge slots 28 b is provided at a backsection 29 of the toilet bowl 20.

[0063] During the flush operation as described above, the water flowsfrom the rim openings 26 a, b, c and d down the sides of the bowl ordirectly into the toilet bowl 20 through the water discharge slots 28 aand 28 b toward the large discharge orifice 30 provided at the bottom ofthe toilet bowl 20 known as the siphon jet. Flush water is alsodelivered directly into the siphon jet by means of the direct jetchannel 29. The siphon jet releases most of the water into the trapway40 initiating a siphoning action. The siphoning action draws all thewater and waste out of the toilet bowl and into the trapway 40 and isthen released into the waste water line connected at the base 31 of thetoilet 10.

[0064] Once the tank is emptied of its predetermined volume during theflush, the opening of a filler valve (not shown) is initiated. Thefiller valve provides fresh water to both the water tank 12 and thetoilet bowl 20 through separate flows. Eventually the water tank 12fills to a water lever to cause a float of the flush valve assembly 14to rise, thus shutting off the filler valve. The flushing cycle is nowcompleted.

[0065] A more detailed description of the components of the toilet 10 ofthe present invention follows.

[0066] As is shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the flush valve assembly 14 ofthe present invention includes a valve body 32, a flush cover member 34of a predetermined length, and a “trip-release” or “lost-motion”mechanism 36. The valve assembly 14 allows the water tank to which it isinstalled to hold a predetermined volume of water and to also serve as aconduit to deliver water to the toilet trapway via the passages withinthe toilet. The valve body 32 includes a base sleeve portion 38 which issecured to the water tank or water closet by a threaded member 39provided along the outer peripheral surface 40 of a base support portion41 thereof.

[0067] The valve body 32 also includes a first cylindrical tube member46 which extends vertically from the base sleeve portion 38. In order toproperly seal the valve body 32 to the water tank, a sealing member orwasher 42 is fitted over the threaded member 39 so as to abut against anannular flange surface 43 of the base sleeve portion 38. A seal bearing44 is threaded on the threaded member 39 so as to securely position thesealing member 42 between the annular flange member 43 and the sealingmember 44.

[0068] The flush valve cover or closure component 34 is coaxially andslidably mounted with respect to the valve body 32 so that a valveopening 50 is created between the valve body 32 and the flush valvecover 34 when the flush valve cover 34 is removed from the valve body32. The flush valve cover 34 is slidably movable between a first restposition, wherein the flush valve cover 34 is seated on an annular valveseat 52 of the base sleeve portion 38 of the valve body 32 so that watercannot pass through the valve opening 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 8), and asecond position, wherein the flush valve cover 34 is removed from theannular valve seat 52 of the base sleeve portion 38 of the valve body 32so that water can pass through the valve opening 50 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).The closed position of the valve opening 50 prevents the flow of flushwater into the valve opening until the valve is activated, by means of aflush lever 18. The open position of the valve opening 50 allows theflow of flush water to enter the valve opening and proceed into passageswithin the toilet to which the water tank is attached.

[0069] As is set forth below, the flush valve assembly 14 of the presentinvention achieves a greater energy throughput of the flush water, whichin turn generates more energy available to remove waste from the toiletbowl. In order to obtain this advantageous result, the base sleeveportion 38 of the vent tube includes a radiused inlet 58 which has adiameter a which is approximately 4.5 inches with a radius b of ¾″ (seeFIG. 7) incorporated onto the leading edge 58 a of the inlet.

[0070] As a result, the radiused inlet 58 of the base sleeve portion 18creates a discharge coefficient of the valve opening of 0.95. Thedischarge coefficient is the ratio between the actual flow area of theopening area and the static opening area. In practice, the higher thedischarge coefficient of the opening, the greater the hydraulic energyof the water passing through the opening. Without providing a radiusedinlet at the valve opening with a lead-in angle as in the presentinvention, the discharge coefficient of the typical prior valve openingis approximately 0.6. Accordingly, the throughput energy of the flushwater passing through the valve opening of the flush valve assembly 14of the toilet of the present invention is greater than the throughputenergy of the flush water passing through existing valve assemblies ofthe prior art as discussed above. As a result of the radiused inlet 58of the base sleeve portion 38 of the valve body 32 as described above,the flow characteristics of the flush water and flow capacity of theflush valve assembly incorporated in the toilet of the present inventionare improved. Therefore, more energy is generated in the flush waterpassing through this flush valve assembly to remove waste in the toiletbowl.

[0071] In order to accommodate unrestricted overflow into the watertank, the flush valve cover 34 includes a funneled inlet 59 at the flushwater inlet orifice 60. This funneled inlet has a predeterminedlead-angle β to the horizontal axis of the flush valve cover (see FIG.7).

[0072] As shown in the figures, especially FIG. 4, flush valve cover 34may include an upper portion 34′, a lower portion 34″, and a portion34′″ located therebetween which may be a stepped or an inclined portion.The diameter of upper portion 34′ may be smaller than the diameter oflower portion 34″. Additionally, the annular sealing member 64 providedalong the bottom surface of the flush valve cover 34 has a diameterwhich may be larger than that of the lower portion 34″.

[0073] The inclined portion 34″″ and the diameter of annular sealingmember 64 may be designed and/or selected so as to enable a force to beexerted on the flush valve cover 34 during a filing operation which issufficient to pull the flush valve cover 34 down and cause a proper sealto be formed. Such force may be the minimum force necessary to pull theflush valve cover 34 down and provide the proper seal. Additionally, thediameter of the lower portion 34″ is selected so as to provide a desiredbuoyancy of the flush valve cover 34. Such buoyancy may affect the timeperiod in which the flush valve cover 34 remains opened.

[0074] Thus, the flush valve cover 34 may provide a desired buoyancy andenable a minimum pulling force to be applied thereto while providing aproper sealing condition when the flush valve cover is moved to itsfirst rest position. Furthermore, the flow characteristics of the flushwater and flow capacity of the flush valve assembly 14 of the presentinvention are also enhanced by reducing the pulling force necessary toclose and properly seal the valve opening 50 when the flush valve cover34 is moved from its second upper position to its first rest position.

[0075] In accordance therewith, in the flush valve assembly 14incorporated in the toilet of the present invention, an annular valveseat 52 is provided downstream of the radiused inlet 58 in the flushwater discharge opening 61. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the annularsealing member 64 is provided along the outer circumferential surface 63of the flush valve cover 34 which rests in the indented annular valveseat 52 when the flush valve cover 34 is in its first rest position

[0076] In order to properly guide and align the flush valve cover 34with respect to the valve body 32 when the flush valve cover 34 is movedbetween its first rest and second upper position, the flush valve cover34 includes a second inner cylindrical tube member 68 secured to theinner peripheral surface of an inner downwardly depending vertical wallmember 70 of the flush valve cover 34 by means of a plurality ofradially disposed web members (not shown) bridging the second tubemember 68 between the inner wall member 70 and the second cylindricaltube member 68. The second cylindrical tube member 68 is fitted over thefirst cylindrical tube member 46 of the valve body 32 so that the flushvalve cover 34 is properly guided and accurately aligned with the valvebody 32 when the flush valve cover 34 is moved between its first restposition and second upper position.

[0077] This guiding assembly consisting of the first and secondcylindrical tube members 46 and 68, respectively, also assists inproperly sealing the valve opening 50 when the flush valve cover 34 isreturned to its first rest position. The guiding assembly assures thatthe annular sealing member 64 fitted over the flush valve cover 34 isproperly seated on the annular valve seat 52 of the valve body 32 in thefirst rest position of the flush valve cover 34.

[0078] In order to reduce hydraulic losses and further improve flowcharacteristics of the flush valve assembly 34, the valve body 32includes structure to minimize flow resistance. This flow resistanceminimization member includes a plurality of tapered web members 72 a, 72b, 72 c radially disposed between the first cylindrical tube member 46and an inner peripheral portion 73 of the base sleeve portion 38 of thevalve body 32. As is best shown in FIG. 7, each tapered web member 72 a,72 b, 72 c is formed of a lower height section 75 a at an end toward thefirst cylindrical tube member 46 which increases in height through atapered section 75 b until reaching extended height section 75 c at anend toward the inner peripheral surface 73 of the base sleeve portion38. With this design, turbulence of the flush water passing through thevalve discharge opening 61 is minimized.

[0079] Hydraulic losses can also result if the flush water does not flowin a laminar manner. Laminar flow can be disrupted by backflow of waterwithin the flush valve assembly 14. In order to reduce backflow of theflush water during the flushing operation, adequate flotation of theflush valve cover 34 must be provided so that the flush water will drainproperly.

[0080] In order to provide flotation of the flush valve cover 34 whenthe flush valve cover 34 is moved from its first rest position to itssecond rest position so as to achieve proper flush water drainage, aflotation cavity 76 is formed between the downwardly depending inner andouter wall members 70 and 78, respectively, of the flush valve cover 34.

[0081] As in typical flush valve assemblies, the flush valve cover 34 isinitially moved from its first rest position, wherein the valve opening50 is closed, to a second position, wherein the valve opening 50 isopened by means of a flush lever 18. This flush lever 18 is displaceableby a user between a first rest position and a second position tooperatively move the flush valve cover 34 between its first restposition and second upper position. Current agency requirements mandatethat the minimum “hold-down” time for the flush lever is one second.However, the longer the valve opening remains open before water isevacuated from the tank, the more energy is dissipated during the flushcycle.

[0082] The flush valve assembly of the present invention can achieveclosure of the valve opening 50 in less than 1 second, preferably in0.5-0.6 seconds, to increase the available hydraulic energy of the flushwater and thereby ensure a relatively rapid delivery of a predeterminedquantity of flush water without exceeding agency requirements. Inaccordance therewith, the flush valve assembly 14 includes a“trip-release” or “lost-motion” mechanism 36 which, as described below,releases the effect of the flush lever 18 on the flush valve cover 34when the flush valve cover 34 reaches its second position so as toreturn the flush valve cover to its first rest position prior to theflush lever 18 returning to its first rest position.

[0083] As is shown in the figures, the trip release mechanism 36includes a cam rod 80, a pull rod 82 operatively connected to the flushlever at end 82 a and slidably mounted with respect to the cam rod 80 sothat the pull rod 82 and the cam rod 80 are moveable in response tomovement of the flush lever. A trip dog assembly 90 is also incorporatedin the trip release mechanism 36 which is capable of engaging the flushvalve cover 34 when the pull rod 82 and cam rod 80 are moved between afirst rest position and a second predetermined position and is capableof disengaging the flush valve cover 34 when the pull rod 82 movesbeyond its second predetermined position.

[0084] As is best shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 10, the pull rod 82 includes aplurality of extension members, such as 77 a and 77 b, which includes anarrow width section 79 a gradually increasing in width to a raisedwidth section 79 b. The raised width members 79 b extend outwardly to anextent such that they can be received within a receiving opening 100 aformed by the inner peripheral surface of an annularly inclined baffle100, to be explained in more detail below. Each of the raised widthmembers 79 b include an engaging hole 79 c at a lower end thereof.

[0085] The engaging and disengaging members of the trip dog assembly 90include wing-like retention members 92 a, 92 b which are supported inthe engaging holes 79 c of the raised width members 79 b of theextension members 77 a and 77 b. As is shown in FIG. 8, the wing-likeretention members 92 a, 92 b extend outwardly to engage the flush valvecover 34 when the cam rod 80 and the pull rod 82 are moved togetherbetween their first position and the second predetermined position so asto move the flush valve cover 34 between its first rest and secondpositions. Further movement of the cam rod 80 is restricted past thissecond predetermined position as will be described in further detailbelow. With the movement of the cam rod 80 so restricted, FIG. 9illustrates that the wing-like retention members 92 a, 92 b retract whenthe pull rod 82 is moved past the second predetermined position so as todisengage the wing-like retention members 92 a, 92 b from the flushvalve cover 34 which in turn allows the flush valve cover 34 to returnto its first rest position.

[0086] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, in the first restposition of the cam rod 80 and the pull rod 82, a first catch member 93of each wing-like retention member 92 a and 92 b abuts against a leadinginclined surface 94 a of a central depression cam section 94 of the camrod 80. The leading edge 95 a of a second catch member 95 of thewing-like retention members 92 a, 92 b abuts against a reduced diametersection 80 a of the central depression cam section 94 of the cam rod 80.

[0087] Each of the wing-like retention members 92 a, 92 b furtherinclude an engagement section 97 which is pivoted to extend outwardlyand be thereby repositioned when the cam rod 80 and pull rod 82 arereturned to their first rest positions. As the flush lever 18 initiallymoves the cam rod 80 and the pull rod 82 from their initial restpositions, the first and second catch members 93 and 95 of the wing-likeretention members are contained within the central depression camsection 94 of the cam rod 80. Upon further combined movement of the camrod 80 and the pull rod 82 due to further depression of the flush lever18, the engagement section 97 of each retention member 92 a and 92 b isengaged with annularly inclined baffle member 100 (see FIG. 7) extendingfrom an inner peripheral surface 102 of the flush valve cover 34 toraise the flush valve cover 34 from its first rest position, wherein theflush opening 50 is closed, to a second upper position, wherein theflush opening 50 is opened. When the cam rod 80 and the pull rod 82 havebeen moved to the second predetermined height position upon depressionof the flush lever 18, an extended annular base flange 80 b provided ona base section 80 c of the cam rod 80 abuts against an inwardlyextending flange 46 a provided at the top end 46 b of the firstcylindrical tube member 46 of the valve body 32 (see FIG. 9). Thisrestricts further movement of the cam rod 80 with the pull rod 82 as theflush lever 18 is further depressed.

[0088] When the pull rod 82 is moved past this second predeterminedposition by further depression of the flush lever 18, the pull rod 82 issubjected to additional bias force being applied by a spring member 104which is fitted over an upper portion of the cam rod 80 and loadedbetween a central core member 106 of the pull rod 82 (see FIGS. 7 and10) and a spring knob 108 provided at an upper end of the cam rod 80(see FIG. 10). Since the cam rod 80 is prevented from further movement,when the pull rod 82 is moved past the second predetermined heightposition and the biased force begins to be applied thereto, the firstand second catch members 93 and 95 ride out of the central depressioncam section 94 of the cam rod 80. This, in turn, causes the wing-likeretention members 92 a and 92 b to pivot (see FIG. 9) such that theengaging sections 97 of the retention members 92 a and 92 b areretracted toward the pull rod 80 and disengaged from the annularlyinclined baffle member 100 of the flush valve cover 34. As a result,since the flush lever 18 is connected to the pull rod 82, the flushvalve cover 34 is no longer under the effect of the flush lever 18.Since the flush valve cover 34 is unrestrained, the flush valve cover 34is capable of returning to its first rest position. The pull rod 82continues its upward movement past the second predetermined positionuntil the central core member 106 abuts against the spring knob 108. Atthis point, further movement of the pull rod 82 is restricted.

[0089] This flushing operation causes closure of the valve opening inapproximately 0.5-0.6 seconds providing a relatively quick flushoperation which causes reduced energy dissipation of the flush waterduring the flushing operation. Even though the flush valve cover 34returns to its first rest position to close the valve opening 50, thepull rod 82 continues to move upwardly until the flush lever 18 hascomplied with its mandatory 1 second “hold-down” time.

[0090] In addition, the second cylindrical tube member 68 of the flushvalve cover 34 includes an annular extended flange 111 at the upper endthereof (see FIG. 7). When the cam rod 80 and the pull rod 82 arereturned to their first rest position in a subsequent flushing operationand the effect of the flush lever is released, the camming surfaces 109of the retracted wing-like retention members 72 a and 72 b abut againstthe annular extended flange 111 of the second cylindrical tube member68. As the camming surfaces ride thereover, the wing-like retentionmembers 92 a, 92 b are cammed to an extended engageable position so thatthe first catch member 93 of each wing-like retention member 92 a and 92b abuts against the leading inclined surface of the central depressioncam section 94 of the cam rod 80 and the wing-like retention members 92a and 92 b are pivoted into a position whereby the engaging member 97 iscapable of engaging the annularly inclined baffle member 100 of theflush valve cover 34 in a subsequent flush operation.

[0091] By including the “trip-release” or “lost-motion” mechanism 36 incombination with the other features set forth above, the flowcharacteristics of the flush water and flow capacity of the flush valveassembly are improved while at the same time compliance with mandatedagency requirements is achieved.

[0092]FIG. 11 illustrates a sweep inlet 110 providing a transitionbetween the water tank 12 and the transition pathway 22 so as tomaximize throughput energy of the flush water passing into thetransition pathway 22 which in turn creates more available energy toremove waste from the toilet bowl. As shown in FIG. 11, the sweep inlet110 has a radiused port 112 at one end thereof having an inclinedleading edge 112 a, similar to the radiused inlet 58 of the base sleeveportion 38 of the flush valve assembly of FIGS. 4-9. The radiused port112 has a diameter of preferably approximately 4 inches which tapers toa narrowed diameter of 3 inches between the side walls 114 a and b. Theleading edge 112 a is inclined to the horizontal axis of the water tank12 at a lead-in angle α.

[0093] As a result of this valve inlet design, the discharge coefficientof the flush valve is increased to approximately 0.95. By increasing thedischarge coefficient, the hydraulic energy of the water passing throughthe flush valve is increased. As a result, the hydraulic losses of theflush water passing from the tank to the rim and jet supply channels arereduced such that more energy is created in the flush water to removewaste in the toilet bowl.

[0094]FIG. 12 is another arrangement for a flush valve with improvedhydrodynamics. This flush valve embodiment also includes a valve inlet115 having a radiused port 116 but does not require elevation of theplatform for the water tank as in the valve inlet 110 of FIG. 11. Due tothe lack of elevation of the platform for the water tank, in order toprovide adequate sealing, the valve inlet 115 is made of molded rubber.

[0095] The piers of FIGS. 11 and 12 are set forth herein forillustrative purposes. These designs provide for a delivery rate ofapproximately 7.5 liters/sec. into the transitional pathway 22. As wouldbe readily known to one skilled in the art, a flush valve cover, such asin the flush valve assembly of FIGS. 4-9 can be used in conjunction witheither of these valve inlets 110 and 115. Alternatively, other knownflush valve assemblies can be adapted to be used in conjunction withthese pier concepts.

[0096]FIG. 13 illustrates the transitional pathway or sweep elbow 22leading from the flush valve assembly of the water tank 12 to the rimchannel 24 and direct water channel 29. As shown in FIG. 13, the radiusR of the sweep elbow 22 is at least 3 inches, that is, the radius R mustbe at least equal to the narrowed diameter of the radiused inlet. At theinlet end 116 of the transitional pathway 22, the flush valve assembly,such as 14 herein will be fitted with a radiused horn (not shown). Thetransitional pathway 22 is preferably made of chinaware and thusprovides for the smooth transition of the flow of the flush water fromthe flush valve 12 to the rim channel 24 and the direct water jetchannel 29. Therefore, in conjunction with the flush valve assemblieswith radiused inlet as set forth above, a “sweeping” flow path isprovided to deliver flush water volume with increased energy to the rimchannel 24 and direct jet channel 29.

[0097] As aforementioned, the flush water delivered from thetransitional pathway 22 either passes into the rim channel 24 or thedirect water jet channel 29 provided at the back section of the toiletbowl. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the water jet channel 29 isrelatively large preferably (1⅝″ diameter) such that a concentratedstream of flush water is directed into the siphon jet 30 at the base ofthe toilet bowl (see arrow C in FIG. 3). Since this toilet has a singleside jet feed, hydraulic losses of the flush water are reduced incomparison to a toilet design having jet ports on both sides of thetoilet bowl thereby leading to enhanced flush performance. In thetypical flush, 2.6 liters of water passes through the direct jet channel29.

[0098]FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate that the flush water flows through thespiral rim channel 24 in an unrestricted supply path which is asymmetricand unidirectional. In order to create balanced flow of the flush waterbetween the rim channel 24 and the direct jet channel 29, approximately1.7 liters of water passes through the rim channel 24 during each flushoperation. In the preferred embodiment, the rim cross section isapproximately 1¼″×1½″.

[0099] As described above, the rim channel 24 has two water dischargeslots 28 a and b, such as the discharge slot shown in FIG. 14. As isshown in FIGS. 1 and 3, one of the discharge slots 28 a is provided at afront section 117 of the rim channel 24 and has a preferred dimension ofapproximately 3″×⅝″ and the second discharge slot 28 b is provided at arear end section 118 of the rim channel 24 and has a preferred dimensionof approximately 4″×1″. The flush water is discharged through the firstand second discharge slots 28 a and 28 b in two powerful streams togenerate a strong vortex action in the sump. This vortex action, incombination with the action of the water jet delivered from the jetchannel 29 and the siphon vacuum, leads to a quicker and more completeremoval of waste from the toilet bowl as well as provides an efficientbowl cleaning operation.

[0100] As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, the rim channel 24 also includes aplurality of rim openings, such as 26 a, b, c and d. In the preferredembodiment, twenty five rim openings are distributed evenly throughoutthe whole perimeter of the rim channel 24. Each of the rim openings 26a, b, c and d has a diameter of approximately {fraction (7/32)}″ with apitch of approximately 1½″. The flush water passing through the rimopenings 26 a, b, c and d pre-wets the whole perimeter of the toiletbowl 12. Although energy is dissipated in the flush water passingthrough the rim openings 26 a, b, c and d, this water still contributesadditional energy to the creation of a strong vortex in the sump of thetoilet bowl to efficiently and quickly remove waste.

[0101] In this cleaning process as described above, the sides of thebowls are pre-wetted due to the water passing through the rim openings26 a, b, c and d. In addition, the strong vortex action created by waterpassing through the siphon jet 29 and the discharge slots 28 a and befficiently washes the walls of the toilet bowl.

[0102]FIG. 16 illustrates in more detail the flush water flow throughthe rim channel 24, and more particularly, the side entry of the waterflow from the transitional pathway 22′ to the rim channel 24, as shownby arrows D. FIG. 16 further illustrates that a strong vortex action canbe achieved if the flush water is discharged from the rim channel 24into the toilet bowl 20 by concentrated water streams, such as the waterstreams depicted by arrows E and F. These two streams E and F compensatefor each other and create a strong but yet non-turbulent vortex actionin the toilet bowl. The two steams E and F are formed by flush waterbeing discharged through the pair of water discharge slots 28 a and 28 bprovided in the rim channel 24. FIG. 16 illustrates that one of thedischarge slots 28 a is provided in the middle of the rim channel pathat the front of the toilet bowl and the other discharge slot 28 b isformed at the terminus of the spiral of the rim channel 24. By providingthe second and last discharge slot at the end of the rim channel 24,water reliably flows in a sufficient amount through the plurality of rimopenings, such as 26 a, b, c and d such that the whole perimeter of thetoilet bowl is cleared. It has been found that providing twoconcentrated streams of water, such as water streams E and F, enhancesthe efficiency of the flush and reduces energy losses.

[0103] Moreover, in the design of this toilet, applicants have foundthat it is advantageous to obtain unrestricted continuation of the waterstream after the flush water is discharged from the rim channel 24. Thisobjective can be achieved by forming a smooth sloped end wall, such as140 (see FIG. 17) at the back end of the final discharge slot 28 b. Ifwall 140 was vertical instead of sloped, horizontal water flow issignificantly retarded and kinetic energy is lost.

[0104]FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate another preferred embodiment of theconfiguration of a rim channel 150 for the toilet assembly of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the flush water enters the rimchannel 150 from the transitional pathway 22″ at a side thereof. Theflush water flows around the rim channel 150 in the direction of arrowsG in FIG. 18 in a path which is asymmetric and unidirectional. Alongthis path, a first set of rim openings 152 a, b and c, preferably threein number, are provided in the middle of the rim channel path at thefront of the toilet and a second set of rim openings 154 a, b and c areprovided at the end of the spiral rim path. A water discharge slit 156is also formed in the rim channel 150 after the last of the second setof rim openings 154 c.

[0105] In this embodiment (FIG. 18), the rim openings 152 a, b and c and154 a, b and c are relatively large and located close to each other. Thenarrow walls (see 158 a, 158 b) between the rim holes provide rigidityin the vertical direction and reduce distortion of the water flow. Intotal, the combined area of the rim openings 152 a, b, and c and 154 a,b and c should be approximately equal to the respective water dischargeslots 28 a and b in the embodiment of FIG. 3. By providing two sets ofrim openings as shown in FIG. 18, a strong vortex action of the flushwater is obtained with an even water level being distributed along theperimeter.

[0106] In the rim channel 150 of FIG. 18, unrestricted continuation ofthe water stream is achieved after the flush water has completed theentire rim path of the rim channel 150 by forming the water dischargeslit 156 in a vertical wall 160 of the rim channel 150. As a result,flush water discharged through the water discharge slit 156 continues toflow in a horizontal direction and consequently does not lose kineticenergy as would result if the flush water impinged upon a vertical wallafter complete flow through the rim channel 150.

[0107]FIG. 20 illustrates the configuration of the toilet bowl 20. FIG.20 illustrates that the toilet bowl 20 has sufficient depth and is wideenough to have a large enough water spot so as to not collect too muchwater.

[0108] At the completion of the flush process, the flush water and wastematerial pass through the siphon jet 30 into the trapway 40 which leadsto the sewage line. As is shown in FIG. 1, the trapway 40 has a firstweir area 162 which connects to a first upwardly inclined trapwaysection 164. The length of the first trapway section 164 is minimizedsuch that the standing water in the sump, first weir area 162 and firsttrapway section 164 is approximately 0.475 liters (see FIG. 21). Thefirst trapway section 164 leads to a downwardly inclined second trapwaysection 166 which, as shown in FIG. 21, has a slope which is directed tothe bowl at an angle of approximately 30°. A second weir area 168 isprovided at a discharge end 169 of the second trapway section 166. Thetrapway 40 next slopes upwardly in a third trapway section 170 whichconnects to a generally vertically oriented and downwardly dependingfourth trapway section 172 which is connected to the sewage line 31. Inthe preferred embodiment, the toilet bowl 20 and trapway 40 storeapproximately 1.9 liters of water.

[0109] In accordance with one of the advantages of the presentinvention, the trapway 40 has no reduction in cross-section throughoutits entire length. In one preferred embodiment, each of the sections ofthe trapway 40 has a diameter throughout its entire length of up toapproximately 2.5 inches. As a result, waste which is less than 2½″ indiameter can pass therethrough without clogging the trapway. Therefore,if any waste material goes into the trapway 40, it passes therethroughbecause the trapway 40 has no reduction of cross section. If anyclogging takes, place in the toilet 10 of the present invention, theclogging will occur in the sump and can be easily cleaned without cableor plumber assistance. Moreover, due to the lack of reduction in thediameter of the trapway, an anti-clogging cable can easily passtherethrough. Therefore, the trapway design herein provides foroutstanding waste removal capacity. Moreover, this trapway designprovides for a discharge rate into the sewage line of 4.2 liters/sec.

[0110] Therefore, the total water usage per cycle of this toilet is 5.7liters with 4.5 liters going into flush and 1.2 liters into refill. Theamount of fresh residual water in the sump after a flush operation is0.7 liters.

[0111] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate another embodiment of a toilet inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention which achieves asimilar flushing operation to that of FIGS. 1-3. In this embodiment,flush water flows through the rim channel 24 a (designated by arrow H)and flush water flows through the jet channel 29 a (designated by arrowI) in opposite directions after being discharged from the transitionalpathway 22 a. Although the flush water paths are directed in thismanner, hydraulic losses have been found to be minimal.

[0112]FIG. 25 illustrates another water flow path for a toilet inaccordance with the present invention wherein water flow is directed inthe same direction (see arrows J and K) into the rim channel 24 b andthe direct jet channel 29 b. In this embodiment, a portion 176 of thetransitional pathway 22 b is formed of a plastic insert.

[0113]FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate that the transitional pathway and thedirect jet pathway are at least in part formed of a plastic insert, suchas 180. A first hole 182 is provided in the plastic insert 180 such thatflush water is directed to the rim channel 24. A second hole 184 isprovided at the end of the insert 180 so that flush water can bedirected into the base of the bowl. Hydraulic losses, as appear in thewater flow path of FIG. 28, are alleviated by providing a smoothchannel, the plastic insert 180, to transfer jet water from the valveinlet 110 to the inlet 184 of the jet channel 29 around the bowl. Thissmooth non-turbulent flow is enhanced by using plastic, rubber or someother material insert as compared to the more turbulent flow experiencedin the water flow path of FIG. 28. By fitting the insert into a finishedChina toilet, an ease of manufacturing results as well as a moreefficient and less expensive assembly.

[0114] Accordingly, for those reasons set forth above, a toilet has beendesigned which achieves a greater energy throughput in comparison toexisting toilets to thereby provide more flush water energy to removewaste from the toilet bowl. In addition, the toilet meets governmentalagency requirements which mandate a minimum “hold-down” duration of theflush lever of one second and a maximum water usage of 1.6 gallons (6liters)/flush. Moreover, the toilet of the present invention enhancesthe flow characteristics and flow capacity of the flush water andprovides a flushing operation which is completed in approximately 2.5seconds (see FIG. 29). Further, the trapway design of the toilet reducesthe chances of clogging.

[0115] Although the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith references to certain preferred embodiments, it will be readilyappreciated by those or ordinary skill in the art that various changesand modifications may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims beinterpreted as including the foregoing as well as various other suchchanges and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water closet comprising: a toilet bowl assemblyhaving a toilet bowl and a trapway extending from the bottom of thetoilet bowl to a sewage line, the toilet bowl having a rim channel alongan upper perimetral portion thereof; a water tank positioned over thetoilet bowl assembly which contains water that is used to initiate thesiphoning from the toilet bowl to the sewage line and refills the toiletbowl with fresh flush water after each flush operation; and wherein theflush water flows through the rim channel of the toilet bowl assembly ina flow path which is asymmetric and unidirectional.
 2. The water closetof claim 1 wherein said rim part has a plurality of rim openingsdistributed evenly along the perimeter of the rim channel.
 3. The watercloset of claim 2 wherein each of said rim openings has a diameterapproximately {fraction (7/32)}″.
 4. The water closet of claim 2 whereinflush water passing through said plurality of rim openings pre-wets theentire perimeter of the toilet bowl.
 5. The water closet of claim 1wherein said trapway has a diameter of up to approximately 2.5″throughout its entire length.
 6. The water closet of claim 1 wherein theflush water is evacuated from the toilet bowl in approximately 2.5seconds.
 7. The water closet of claim 1 and further including a waterpath connector for directing flush water from said water tank into saidtoilet bowl.
 8. The water closet of claim 7 wherein said water pathconnector includes a discharge port bridging water flow between saidwater tank and said toilet bowl.
 9. The water closet of claim 8 whereinsaid water tank has a flush valve formed of a valve inlet having aradiused port.
 10. The water closet of claim 1 wherein said rim channelincludes a pair of water discharge slots which discharge flush waterdirectly into said toilet bowl in two water streams which create astrong vortex action.
 11. The water closet of claim 10 wherein a firstof said pair of water discharge slots is provided about halfway aroundthe rim channel and a second of said pair of water discharge slots isprovided at a back section of the toilet bowl at a terminus section ofsaid rim channel.
 12. The water closet of claim 11 wherein the firstsaid water discharge slot has a dimension of approximately 3″×⅝″ and thesecond said water discharge slot has a dimension of approximately 4″×1″.13. The water closet of claim 11 wherein a smooth sloped wall edge isprovided at a terminus of said rim channel at said second of said pairof water discharge slots so as to achieve unrestricted maintenance ofthe water stream as water is discharged from said rim channel.
 14. Thewater closet of claim 1 wherein said rim channel includes first andsecond sets of water discharge openings which discharge flush waterdirectly into the toilet bowl in concentrated streams which create astrong vortex action.
 15. The water closet of claim 1 wherein said firstset of water discharge openings is provided about halfway around the rimchannel and said second set of water discharge openings is provided at aback section of the toilet bowl at a terminus section of said rimchannel.
 16. The water closet of claim 15 wherein three water dischargeopenings are provided in each of said first and second sets of waterdischarge openings.
 17. The water closet of claim 15 wherein a waterdischarge slit is provided in the terminus section of said rim channelafter a last water discharge opening of said second set of waterdischarge openings, said slit being formed in a vertical end wall ofsaid rim channel so as to achieve unrestricted maintenance of the waterstream as water is discharged from said rim channel.
 18. The watercloset of claim 1 wherein said toilet bowl and said trapway storeapproximately 1.9 liters of water.
 19. The water closet of claim 1further including a direct jet channel for delivering flush waterdirectly into a siphon jet opening section of the toilet bowl.
 20. Thewater closet of claim 19 wherein said direct jet channel is formed atleast in part of a plastic insert.
 21. A water closet comprising: atoilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a trapway extending fromthe bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line; a water tank positionedover the toilet bowl assembly which contains water that is used toinitiate siphoning from the toilet bowl to the sewage line and refillsthe toilet bowl with fresh flush water after each flush operation; and awater path assembly including a transitional path way, direct water jetchannel which feeds flush water directly into a base portion of saidtoilet bowl and a rim channel having a pair of water discharge slotswhich discharge flush water directly into said toilet bowl inconcentrated water streams so as to create a strong vortex action in thetoilet bowl and wherein said transitional pathway feeds water from saidwater tank into both said rim channel and said direct water jet channel.22. The water closet of claim 21 wherein a first of said pair of waterdischarge slots is provided at a front section of said rim channel and asecond of said pair of water discharge slots is provided at a rear endsection of said rim channel.
 23. The water closet of claim 22 whereinthe first of said water discharge slot has a dimension of approximately3″×⅝″ and the second said water discharge slot has a dimension ofapproximately 4″×1″.
 24. The water closet of claim 21 wherein said a rimchannel is provided along an upper peripheral portion of said toiletbowl wherein flush water flows through the rim channel of the toiletbowl assembly in a path which is asymmetric and unidirectionalthroughout the entire perimeter thereof.
 25. The water closet of claim24 wherein said rim channel has a plurality of rim openings distributedevenly along the perimeter of the rim channel.
 26. The water closet ofclaim 25 wherein flush water passing through said plurality of rimopenings pre-wets the entire perimeter of the toilet bowl.
 27. The watercloset of claim 24 wherein the flush water is evacuated from the toiletbowl in approximately 2.5 seconds.
 28. The water closet of claim 21wherein said transitional pathway is formed at least in part of aplastic insert.
 29. The water closet of claim 21 wherein said directwater jet channel is formed at least in part of a plastic insert. 30.The water closet of claim 21 wherein said direct water jet channel isformed at least in part of a rubber insert.
 31. The water closet ofclaim 21 wherein said transitional pathway provides for a side entry offlush water into both said rim channel and said direct water jetchannel.
 32. A water closet comprising: a toilet bowl assembly having atoilet bowl and a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowlto a sewage line, the toilet bowl having a rim channel along an upperperimetral portion thereof, said rim channel having a plurality of rimopenings distributed evenly along the perimeter of the rim channel and apair of water discharge slots which direct water directly into saidtoilet bowl in two water streams; a water tank positioned over thetoilet bowl assembly which contains water that is used to initiate thesiphoning from the toilet bowl to the sewage line and refills the toiletbowl with fresh flush water after each flush operation, said water tankhaving a flush valve in the form of a valve inlet having a radiusedinlet; a water path assembly including a transitional pathway, a directwater jet channel which feeds water directly into a base portion of saidtoilet bowl and a rim channel having a pair of water discharge slotswhich discharge flush water directly into said toilet bowl inconcentrated water streams so as to create a strong vortex action in thetoilet bowl and wherein said transitional pathway feeds water from saidwater tank into both said rim channel and said direct water jet channel;and whereby the flush water can be evacuated from the toilet bowl inapproximately 2.5 seconds.
 33. The water closet of claim 32 wherein eachof said rim openings has a diameter approximately {fraction (7/32)}″.34. The water closet of claim 32 wherein flush water passing throughsaid plurality of rim openings pre-wets the entire perimeter of thetoilet bowl.
 35. The water closet of claim 32 wherein said trapway has adiameter throughout its entire length of up to approximately 2.5″. 36.The water closet of claim 32 wherein a first of said pair of waterdischarge slots is provided about halfway around the rim channel and asecond of said pair of water discharge slots is provided at a backsection of the toilet bowl.
 37. The water closet of claim 36 wherein thefirst said water discharge slot has a dimension of approximately 3″×⅝″and said second water discharge slot has a dimension of approximately4″×1″.
 38. The water closet of claim 37 wherein said toilet bowl andsaid trapway store approximately 1.9 liters of water.
 39. The watercloset of claim 32 wherein the transitional pathway is in the form of asweep elbow having a radius of approximately 3 inches.